The 13-year-old mixed breed male, which is recovering, apparently caught the virus from its owner. But Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said there’s no evidence that the flu strain can be transmitted from a pet to a person.

“In theory it could happen, but so far it’s really looking like a dead end in pets,” he said. (CBS News)

According to the AVMA’s Swine Flu FAQ sheet, pet parents shouldn’t panic or consider giving up their pets for fear of infection. So help spread the word to other pet parents!

You are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. (AVMA Swine Flu FAQ sheet)

Experts are still unsure how serious the Swine Flu strain is in dogs
and cats, due to the relatively small number of confirmed cases. While
the New York dog is recovering, fatalities have been reported in both
cats and ferrets.

Get flu symptoms and prevention tips after the jump.

According to the AVMA, Swine Flu symptoms in pets often resemble respiratory infections including:

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Fever

Runny nose and/or eyes

Sneezing

Coughing

Changes in breathing or difficulty breathing

Pet parents who suspect they are infected with the flu should practice the same precautions with their pets as they would with any other members of their families.

Of course, if your pet starts displaying any of the symptoms mentioned or you notice any unusual changes in your pet’s behavior, you should consult your veterinarian. And if you yourself have flu symptoms, to protect yourself — and your pet — see your physician.